After Yang trailer starring Colin Farrell explores what it means to be human

A24 has unveiled a new promo for Kogonada’s After Yang that will have you questioning the human condition and fantasizing about life after death. The After Yang trailer stars Colin Farell and Jodie Turner-Smith as a married couple looking to repair their “techno-sapien,” Yang (Justin H. Min). For this couple, and their daughter Mika (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja), Yang is more than a garden variety robot, he’s a part of their family.

After Yang was a part of this year’s Sundance Film Festival lineup, and our managing editor, Chris Bumbray, loved it! In his review, Chris described the movie as a low-key sci-fi tale set in a fascinating world.

“This is a gorgeous, low-key sci-fi tale that makes you think about the nature of being human. In the future world established here, humanoid robots are accepted household members, even if they don’t have the status of full-fledged human beings. The idea is that robots can’t love or make their own choices, but once Colin Farrell’s Jake gets a look at Yang’s memories, he begins to see that’s not the case. Feelings are hard to quantify in words, but once he starts reviewing the memories, which are recordings Yang decided to save, we realize that he did love the family that bought him second-hand in his way.”

In addition to praising Farrell’s performance, saying that it’s one of his best to date, Chris says the movie truly explores the differences between being human and being a robot.

“It’s an interesting question to ponder because it’s easy to see After Yang’s sci-fi premise coming true at some point. We’re increasingly reliant on technology, and who knows, robot companions may be in our future, even if that notion raises all kinds of ethical and moral questions. After Yang doesn’t really concern itself with that. This is just the story of a regular family who grows attached to a companion that they don’t realize might actually love them in some fashion.”

The After Yang trailer is speaking to me loud and clear. It’s telling me that I need to see this movie as soon as humanly possible. I love science-fiction films that ask the big questions. After Yang strikes me as the type of film I’ll be thinking about long after credits have rolled, and I look forward to getting lost in my thoughts.

What do you think of A24’s After Yang trailer? Are you anticipating this movie as much as I am? What are some of your favorite films about exploring the human condition? Let us know in the comments section below.